Several students and staff of St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, were reportedly abducted following an overnight attack on the school.

Although full details remain sketchy, sources said a significant number of students were taken when armed bandits invaded the school late Thursday.

A representative of one of the Catholic churches in Niger State confirmed the incident but noted that the institution was still verifying those affected.

“Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day,” he said.

Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, head of the Department for Disaster and Relief in Agwara LGA, also confirmed the attack to Daily Trust, saying the assailants struck between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. He added that authorities were still working to ascertain the exact number of abducted students and staff.

However, the Niger State Police Command, through its spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun, said further information would be provided later.

The incident comes days after 25 students were abducted in Maga, Kebbi State, heightening concerns over rising insecurity in schools across the region.

Just 24 hours earlier, more than 50 schools in Kwara State were shut due to escalating bandit attacks.